title: Identification and function of long non-coding RNA.
abstract: Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs are defined as non-protein coding RNAs distinct from housekeeping RNAs such as tRNAs, rRNAs, and snRNAs, and independent from small RNAs with specific molecular processing machinery such as micro- or piwi-RNAs. Recent studies of lncRNAs across different species have revealed a diverse population of RNA molecules of differing size and function. RNA sequencing studies suggest transcription throughout the genome, so there is a need to understand how sequence relates to functional and structural relationships amongst RNA molecules. Our synthesis of recent studies suggests that neither size, presence of a poly-A tail, splicing, direction of transcription, nor strand specificity are of importance to lncRNA function. Rather, relative genomic position in relation to a target is fundamentally important. In this review, we describe issues of key importance in functional assessment of lncRNA and how this might apply to lncRNAs important in neurodevelopment.
authors.affiliation: Douglas Hospital Research Institute Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.forename: Cynthia C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Morton
keywords: epigenetics; gene regulation; neurodevelopment; non-coding RNA